Exporting your Pet to Australia

Exporting Your Dog or Cat from New Zealand to Australia

Moving your dog or cat from New Zealand to Australia is a well-established process, but it does require careful planning and strict compliance with Australian biosecurity regulations. Australia has some of the world’s toughest animal import rules, designed to protect its unique ecosystem and remain free from serious animal diseases.

The good news is that pets travelling from New Zealand benefit from a streamlined pathway compared with many other countries, and experienced veterinary support can make the process smooth and stress-free.

Overview of the Export Process

Dogs and cats travelling from New Zealand to Australia must meet Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) import conditions. These requirements apply to all companion animals, whether you are relocating permanently or travelling for an extended stay.

The general protocol includes:

• Place of residence
      Your pet needs to have lived within New Zealand or Australia for their whole lives, otherwise they will need further testing, and the export process could take longer.
• Health
      Your pet needs to be in good health with no long term, untreated diseases, e.g. uncontrolled hypothyroidism. If you are unsure of your pet’s health status it is advised to have a general check up before you start the export process.
• Microchipping
      Your pet must be permanently identified with an ISO-compliant microchip before any official testing or certification is carried out.
• Parasite Treatments
      Both dogs and cats require internal and external parasite treatments at the time of their export health check (withing 5 days of travel).  They must have no fleas or flea dirt visible at the time of this check, so it is important to be up to date with flea control for the months prior to export.
• Official Veterinary Export Certification
      Within 5 days of departure, a MPI approved Veterinarian must examine your pet and complete export documentation confirming that all health and biosecurity requirements have been met.
• Owner Statutory Declaration
      If the registered owner of the pet can not be present at the time of the export check they must complete the attached form.  This form needs to be completed     correctly and signed by a Justice of the Peace.  You can send this completed form to the     Albany Veterinary Hospital ahead of time to make sure it is completed     fully.

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/35274-Appendix-2-Owner-Statutory-Declaration-OSD-form-to-support-export-certification-for-cats-and-dogs-to-Australia

• Approved Travel Arrangements
      Pets must travel as manifest cargo on an approved airline route, using an IATA-compliant travel crate.

Unlike pets arriving from many other countries, quarantineis generally not required for dogs and cats travelling from New Zealand to Australia, provided all conditions are met correctly.

How Albany Veterinary Hospital Can Help

Exporting a pet involves multiple steps, precise timing, and detailed paperwork. Albany Veterinary Hospital has MPI approved Vets that can complete export certificates for your pet. They also have experienced Veterinary Nurses/Receptionists that can help you with any questions or complications when it comes to the export process.

Our team can help with:

• Microchip checks and implants
• Parasite treatment scheduling
• Coordination of required testing and timelines
• Blood sampling if required
• Preparation of export documentation
• Recommendation of and liaison with transport providers if required

You can be confident that your pet’s export process ishandled professionally, reducing the risk of delays, travel disruption, or non-compliance working with a team that is experienced in the export process.

Start Planning Early

Although the New Zealand to Australia pathway is relativelystraightforward, the process can take some time, and requirements can change so planning ahead is essential.

If you’re considering exporting your dog or cat toAustralia, contact Albany Veterinary Hospital to discuss your plans. Our team is happy to provide advice tailored to your pet, your timeline, and your destination—so you can focus on the move, knowing your pets’ requirements are covered.

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